The objective of the three-year programme, which started in August 2007, was to help engineering manufacturing firms achieve sustainable growth by becoming more profitable and competitive. Joining Forces Wales 2 provides access to a wide range of technical resources throughout Wales. Free, expert help was provided so that companies could readily exploit innovation and best practice to improve product design and manufacturing methods.
The project provided leading edge technologies to companies in Wales, in all sectors of manufacturing industry. The principal objective of the project was to improve the competitiveness of manufacturing companies by directly assisting them to access new technologies appropriate to their business needs and offering cost, logistic and/or quality improvements.
This project was aimed at manufacturing SMEs. Their main challenges include quality, standards, introducing innovation (particularly dealing with new materials and processes), meeting customers’ requirements and troubleshooting. Joining Forces Wales 2 provided active support in all these areas.
TWI has developed special skills in providing technical support to SMEs; Joining Forces Wales 2 enabled TWI to bring to bear the mass of experience and facilities of the organisation to solve individual SME’s technical problems.
Manufacturing companies gained benefits including:
- Technical Benefits - Improved productivity and efficiency - Introduction of new products and processes - Higher product quality - More efficient use of materials and reduced waste and re-work - Enhanced capabilities, knowledge and skills - Adoption of a change/continuous improvement culture - Reduction or elimination of technical risk
- Financial Benefits - Reduced manufacturing costs - Increased sales - Improved profitability - Reduction or elimination of financial risk
- Other Benefits - Greater competitiveness in global markets - Enhanced company sustainability and viability, safeguarding and creating jobs - Stronger supply chains, benefiting companies at all positions within the chain - A continuing link into the regional knowledge network
Since 2004, TWI’s technology transfer activity has boosted business performance in the UK regions by creating/safeguarding over 3,555 jobs and £231M turnover.
Joining Forces Wales 2 beneficiary Ron James Welding Services Ltd:
Through the Joining Forces Wales 2 support, Ron James Welding Services Ltd successfully demonstrated the superior strength and quality of its TIG welded window frames. The activity directly resulted in the safeguarding of two full-time jobs and £55,000 of new business for the company.
Ron James said: ‘This investigation has clearly demonstrated the quality of our TIG welded window frames and allowed us to grow our business. Joining Forces Wales support was clearly of very high quality, delivered by knowledgeable staff who were very easy to work with.’
For more information about Joining Forces Wales please contact us.
